{
  "id": 5060883,
  "title": "First phase of Sharjah tunnel project to ease commute to Dubai set for launch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/first-phase-of-sharjah-tunnel-project-to-ease-commute-to-dubai-set",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T09:49:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/02/first-phase-of-sharjah-tunnel-project-to-ease-commute-to-dubai-set-for-launch/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A major road project in Sharjah is set to launch, aimed at easing congestion and reducing travel time between the emirate and Dubai. The construction work on a new tunnel at Al Taawun roundabout is making rapid progress, with the first phase expected to partially open within two months. This key route is notorious for long traffic queues, particularly from Al Nahda Bridge to the roundabout. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority revealed that the project's completion coincides with the Sharjah International Book Fair, scheduled from November 4 to 15. The event draws a massive crowd of 1.4 million people annually. The transport authority stated that the initiative would improve the road network's efficiency and enhance traffic flow across the emirate. Work on the upgrade commenced in June, and the project is slated for completion by February. Upon completion, the tunnel will boast three lanes in each direction, capable of accommodating up to 4,000 vehicles per hour. This scheme is part of a larger effort to alleviate traffic on the busy commuter route between Sharjah and Dubai. Recently, two new lanes were inaugurated on Dubai's main transport link, Emirates Road, between Sharjah and Wadi Al Amardi in Dubai, as part of a major initiative to ease travel to Sharjah. This expansion will increase the road's capacity from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour.",
  "summary": "Construction work on a major road project aimed at cutting congestion and travel time between Sharjah and Dubai is gathering pace. Sharjah's Roads and Transport Authority said a new tunnel at Al Taawun roundabout would partially open in two months. The area is a key route for commuters from Sharjah to Dubai and is notorious for long queues of traffic, especially from Al Nahda Bridge to the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}